THE continuing saga in search for the next Ginebra import has just gotten a new twist.

The most popular team in the PBA is bent on getting the services of former Los Angeles Laker back-up DJ Mbenga, who had already been sent a formal offer sheet, according to popular import agent Sheryl Reyes.

Early indications showed the 7-foot Congolese-Belgian will likely accept the Ginebra offer as his bid to land a spot in the current Lakers’ roster turned dim as Los Angeles reportedly tendered Jerome Jordan a 10-day contract.

Ironically, Jordan is also another import prospect for Ginebra.

If and when he agrees to take on the job, Mbenga is definitely going to be a big addition to the Ginebra roster of coach Alfrancis Chua, who is certainly on the look for a dominant big man as likely replacement for Herbert Hill.

“The fact that we told DJ that Ginebra is the most popular team in the PBA makes it more appealing to him to try his luck in the Philippines,” said Reyes, the same agent responsible for bringing current Commissioner’s Cup imports Renaldo Balkman (Petron), Justin Williams (Global Port), and Robert Dozier (Alaska).

Should Mbenga sign the contract by Wednesday, he’ll be sent his plane ticket right away, and hopefully, suit up for the Kings when they play the Globalport Batang Pier this Friday.

An eight-year NBA veteran, Mbenga was part of the Lakers’ back-to-back championship teams in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, playing alongside star players Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.